Manfred “Fred” Buro
BURO- Manfred “Freddie” Buro passed away in his 79th year on Thursday, July 30, 2020, surrounded by his family, after a fierce battle with cancer. Dearly loved husband of 28 years to Monika Duhmert-Buro (nee Thiele). Father of Sonja Whitchurch (Jeff), Susan Buro-Hamm (Abe), and Fred Buro Jr. (Melissa McDowell). Opa of 10 amazing grandkids Lexi Li, Rylie and Molly Whitchurch, Sagan McDowell, twins Zoey and Quinn Hamm, Mariska, Eric and Kurtis Buro, and Libby Hamm. Fondly remembered by the mother of his children Erika Broadbear (Don) and lifelong friend Manfred (Hooker) Sommerfield. Survived by his family in Germany: sisters Karin (late Jurgen), Inge (Bernd), Christel, his brother Dieter (Hannelore), and by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Born June 26, 1941 in Berlin, Germany to Margarete and Fritz Buro. Life was tough in post WWII Germany, and at the young age of 15, and on his own, Fred set out to join his brother Kurt in Canada, in search of a better life. Living in Montreal, Toronto, and London, Fred eventually found his way to Springfield in 1966 where, along with Erika, Betty and Erich, he owned and operated Woerbach’s Superior Market. A natural born salesman, Fred loved being with people; talking and selling. Many will remember Fred as “Freddie the winemaker”, making and selling grape juice for people to make their own wine. When the store closed, Fred began a long and successful career with Canadian Tire. He was the “short German guy with suspenders” you went to when you needed something. Though he was a proud Canadian, Fred loved his German heritage including his German beer, German food, German crosswords, German T.V., and German games with German friends! The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to keep Fred at home, with extra thanks to Nurse Jen, Nurse Amanda and PSW Jamie. He loved you all and had the utmost respect for what you did and our family is grateful for your care and support for us all. As much as Fred loved a good party, it was his final wish that there be no visitation, service or celebration of life. Simple cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570). If desired, donations in memory of Fred can be made to Community Living Elgin, Canadian Cancer Society, or please donate blood if you are able. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca.
To honour and celebrate Fred, raise a shot of Jägermeister or a glass of your favourite beer and have one last “PROST!” to Fred.